It was a morning full of smiles and handshakes, homemade cards with warms wishes and thank you's for the men and women in blue, to show them just how much the public cares.

"We're trying to teach our kids that cops are good guys. Cops are there for us. They're going to be there to protect us," Blanca Lomas said.

The Associated Credit Union said it hosts the events as part of a program called "Heroes Deserve Real Rewards."

The events thank veterans, police and service members with special discounts and perks. It also brings the community together.

"To let them know they are human beings and that we love them and appreciate them and everything they do for us in our communities," COO of ACU Jay Coppock said.

Officers said the support is overwhelming. When they leave their homes and head out into the streets, they know what risks they face.

But if they've made a difference, or a change in people's hearts, they said it's all worth it.

"When you're tired, when you're hurting when you need to take a knee let me catch my breath, and then someone walks alongside you and says let me pick you up that motivates you and lifts you, this is it, this is exactly what I'm doing, and this is why," Pearland police Officer Jason Wells said.

The credit union said it’s been doing the events for the past several years, and plans to do many more in the near future.